In reality, Fischl's parents chuckle. Mona's such a cute kid—if she loves cold cuts, they'll make her extra next time.
They don't change their opinion just because Mona's wealthy. After all, they're not exactly strapped for cash themselves.
Let's be real—Little Fischl's house is just as extravagantly large, complete with an indoor library.
Forget how much a piano costs—just the space to house one? Could an average home even fit it?
Though their family isn't poor, the real-world Fischl is still reeling. She genuinely thought Mona was dirt-poor, the kind of broke that meant skipping meals.
As her best friend, she couldn't just watch Mona starve and sell her underwear, right?
So, every time they hung out, Fischl secretly covered the bill, worried about hurting Mona's pride.
Sometimes, she'd even invite Mona for a nice meal, concerned she wasn't eating enough.
The money for this didn't come from her parents—it was from Fischl's own little stash, earned from her adventurer work. Her savings were practically drained for her best friend!
I spent my "dowry" to hang out with you, and you treated me like air to chase starry skies?
Let's be honest—how is this any different from being a sugar mommy?!
Only now does she learn that Mona's richer than her!
The tiny stash she earned as an adventurer—how many of Mona's books could it even buy?
That one wall of books in Mona's house could probably buy Fischl's entire home, right?
No, scratch that—she was too optimistic. It might be more than just her house…
And Mona's place has multiple walls like that!
She thought Mona was a poor sibling who needed her care, only to be told one day she's actually a dragon king?
Is this a novel or what?!
Fischl glares at Mona with a resentful look. Weren't astrologists supposed to be honest?
Mona, feeling a bit guilty under her gaze, scratches her head. She didn't lie, though.
"I… I've said plenty of times that I'm not poor."
True, Mona has said it many times, but everyone thought she was just saving face, too proud to admit otherwise.
After all, Mona often couldn't even afford food, practically foraging for wild vegetables and leaves in Mondstadt's wilderness. Who'd have thought she was actually rich?
With all that money, couldn't you treat your mouth and stomach a bit better? They've suffered enough following you.
In the story, Xinyan doesn't see it that way. She says she'd love to try Mondstadt cuisine.
Xinyan's good friend is Xiangling, so her mouth and stomach have been spoiled rotten. We'll follow you in the next life too.
[Fischl naturally doesn't refuse Xinyan: "Hmph, then I shall grant thee this honor as well. Next time, thou may accompany this Prinzessin to an audience with my father and mother."]
Fischl's secretly thrilled. She used to have no friends at all, and now she can bring a bunch of them home.
With so many friends, a home party means playing Ludo all day, right?
[Kazuha chimes in: "Now that you mention it, it's been a while since I visited a friend's house. I'll respectfully accept the invitation."]
He really hasn't visited a friend's home in ages—his Anemo friends are…
Fischl's even happier. Look, look! He admitted he's my friend!
Fischl's mother is delighted too. With so many kids coming over, she's got to prepare properly.
Whether it's the group in the story or everyone in reality, they're getting a bit off-topic. Only Oz is still focused on the "main plot," reminding everyone.
[Oz: "Rather than this, shouldn't we address the puzzle at hand first?"]
Truly, Oz is the crow equivalent of a doting mom, worrying himself to bits.
Normally, Paimon's the one to keep things on track, but this time the topic's food, and even she's fallen prey. The Voice of God is more interested in satisfying her divine stomach.
Mona's room is just a small detour. The group touches the small "armillary sphere" in the room, returning to the dream realm.
[Past Mona's muttering voice: "Astrologists can decipher the most profound celestial signs, and because of this, they are not permitted to be arrogant."]
["If they believe this discipline makes them all-powerful, they'll be banished by the stars themselves."]
So Mona is never arrogant—she's just tsundere, a bit proud of her genius.
But it's only pride, not arrogance. When she meets someone like Lucian, who's even "more genius" than her, her first instinct is to learn humbly, not to lash out in frustration.
This proves she's merely proud, not arrogant.
That said, the old Mona did have moments of arrogance. Back then, she thought she could already read all the fates in the universe.
Perhaps because of that mindset, she began to "lose sight" of the stars. At that time, her teacher told her:
["You should not feel lost. If one day you do, astrology won't be able to help you."]
That was the advice from Mona's master, the old lady.
[Past Mona: "We astrologists cannot predict our own fates, but today, those words seem to carry a different meaning."]
For astrologists, they can see others' paths but not their own.
When gazing at the stars to observe fate, it feels like sailing across an endless sea, unable to find a single lighthouse of their own.
But even without a lighthouse or guiding light, humans will still set sail in the darkness.
Astrologists who can see the light, who can see fate, cannot change anything—nor do they need to.
Astrologists don't see their own light, nor do they need to become someone else's.
There's no perfect legend in this world, no hero who saves everyone.
[Mona: "What I need to do… is seize my own fate!"]
There's no hero who can save everyone, so just be your own hero!
Returning to that unknown space, the sky is "Van Gogh's starry night" once more. This time, the colors are deeper, the stars more numerous and even more beautiful, leaving everyone mesmerized.
Even Oz can't help but praise the beauty of Mona's dream realm, calling her the greatest mage in the history of the Immernachtreich.
Well, fair enough—the Immernachtreich doesn't exactly have other mages.
[Mona retorts: "Thanks, but how long is the history of the Immernachtreich, anyway…?"]
If we're being honest, the Immernachtreich is still underage—its creator is a teenage girl, after all.
Among the group, Kazuha's the most cultured, his compliments carrying an air of profound elegance.
[Kazuha: "Stars like gemstones, the moon like a pearl—this is the grandest starry sky I've ever seen."]
For most readers with their limited vocabulary, they'd just say, "It's really pretty."
The more expressive ones might go, "Holy crap, it's freaking gorgeous!" and that's about it.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Fischl: About Mona · Sisters
"This Prinzessin has peered through the threads of fate, and Lady Megistus is a younger sister in need of my care… Hah, as expected of the court's grand mage, even fate is toyed with by her…"
"What?! You say she thinks I'm the younger sister who needs care?! Damn it, I'm clearly the one looking after her!"
Oz: "Ahem, my lady, mind your wording."